Electrical technique

Abstract

Typical embodiments of the invention can be used for photon generation, plasma containment or for atmospheric and/or space vehicle propulsion. Illustratively, a large dome of insulating material supports an array of smaller insulating domes. Conducting electrodes that are embedded in the external surfaces of these smaller domes are coupled to a high frequency alternating current. The electrical potential on these electrodes produces ionization in the medium external to the dome array. The ions, charged with a potential that is the same as electrode voltage, are repelled from the dome array in a preferred direction. This action establishes a resultant force that can be used to drive the array through the medium in a direction opposite to that of the ions. The ionization phenomena produced in accordance with the described technique also generates abundant photons.

I claim: 
     
       1. An ionization system comprising an electrically insulating dome, a plurality of electrodes embedded in said dome and having protruding hemispherical portions, a plurality of cones protruding from each of said hemispherical portions, and conductor means for coupling power to said electrodes. 
     
     
       2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said electrodes further comprise each a respective bulbous portion embedded within said insulating dome. 
     
     
       3. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a large dome formed of insulating material for supporting a plurality of said electrode bearing dome thereon. 
     
     
       4. A system according to claim 3 further comprising a power supply for coupling current in the frequency range of 200 kilohertz to 200 megahertz to said electrodes. 
     
     
       5. An electrode for an ion generator comprising an hemispherical portion, a plurality of cones protruding from said hemispherical portion, a first conducting cylinder joined to said hemispherical portion, a bulbous section, transition rounds joining said conducting cylinder to said bulbous section, and a second conducting cylinder joined to said bulbous section on the side opposite to said first conducting cylinder and in axial alignment therewith. 
     
     
       6. A method for generating ions in a medium of changing density comprising the steps of applying an alternating current through a plurality of electrodes to the medium, varying the frequency of said current to produce a glow, increasing said alternating current frequency as the density of the medium increases, and decreasing said alternating current frequency as the density of the medium decreases. 
     
     
       7. A method according to claim 6 wherein said frequency increasing step comprises increasing said frequency to a maximum that is on the order of 200 megahertz. pg,15 
     
     
       8. A method according to claim 6 wherein said frequency decreasing step comprises decreasing said frequency to a minimum that is on the order of 200 kilohertz. 
     
     
       9. A controlled fusion device that has a mirror point comprising an electrically insulating dome associated with the mirror point, at least one electrode embedded in said dome and having a protruding hemispherical portion, a plurality of cones protruding from said hemispherical portion, and conductor means for coupling power to said electrode. 
     
     
       10. An ionization system according to claim 1 wherein said insulating dome further comprises an insulating material, said material having perforations formed therein for enabling said plurality of electrodes to establish ionization.